Hi all.

Commuting in the dark is inevitable for those who work in the night-time economy and becomes a consideration for most other people when the clocks go back during autumn, meaning dusk will arrive earlier and even more of us will be travelling to and from work in the dark. 

There is often a tendency to overlook hazards in familiar settings or after a long busy day, but not paying attention to your surroundings can have serious implications. Here is our advice for commuting to and from work safely in the dark:  

1. Plan your route beforehand

You may not be familiar with your route if you’re travelling somewhere new, it differs from the way you normally go, or if you are using a different method of transport to get to work. In any of these cases, it can be useful to practice your route in daylight and check your route before setting off.

2. Make someone aware of your route

Let your colleagues know that you’ll be walking or getting public transport into the office and when you should arrive.

Having someone know your estimated arrival time means that they can send help if you fail to arrive when expected and having someone know your route means that in the event of an emergency, they will have an idea of where you may be.

3. Wear bright clothing or reflective bands

When commuting, risks are not limited to suspicious people. Areas with low visibility can be prone to accidents involving vehicles and bikes. Wearing reflective or brightly coloured clothing allows drivers and bikers to see you as you walk along, particularly in areas without streetlights.

A torch or headlight can also help drivers see you if there are dark stretches of road on your route. If you don’t own a torch, most mobile phones can be used as torches to provide an additional source of light or means to be seen.

4. Stick to public areas where you can be seen

Don’t be tempted to take shortcuts through woods, alleyways, fields, or parkland. Areas with fewer members of the public, fewer streetlights, and more places for a potential aggressor to hide increase the risk of danger and should be avoided where possible. Instead, opt for a longer route with more lighting and more people around who could help in an emergency.

5. Stay aware of your surroundings and limit distractions

Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, stand straight up, look ahead, and pay attention to what is going on around you. If you wear headphones, ensure your volume is at a reasonable level and keep one earbud out so that you can still hear any potential dangers, such as someone walking or driving up behind you.

6. Walk in the direction of oncoming traffic

Always walk facing traffic so you can see cars and other vehicles coming towards you. This ensures you’ll be aware if there’s an accident ahead and vehicles can’t pull up behind you. It also limits the risk of being hit by a vehicle as you can step out of the way if you see something coming towards you.

7. Avoid carrying lots of bags

Keep your hands as free as possible, so that you can react if needed. Being weighed down makes you an easier target for those looking to cause harm. If you have things to carry, put these in as few bags as possible and use a backpack.

8. Keep your valuables hidden

Don’t walk around with expensive jewellery or gadgets out on display as this could make you a target. Smartphone theft is a particular issue, so keep yours out of obvious sight to avoid becoming a victim.

9. Keep Your Keys Close

Always keep your keys close at hand when you are travelling alone: this could be in a pocket, at the top of a bag, or in your hand. Many smaller crimes are not pre-meditated and the sight of someone spending a prolonged period of time struggling to find something in their bag or coat is an ideal target for a criminal.

10. Trust your instincts

When commuting in the dark, trust your gut. If you feel like a situation is not right, don’t take any chances. Cross the road, change your route, or walk as quickly as possible to a well-lit public place. Here you can call a friend or family member, or a taxi to help you get home safely. If you’re in a situation or environment where you feel unsafe or scared, it is essential to remove yourself from the situation and, if you need it, find help.